Analysis of AmberIT Limited and ISP Industry in Bangladesh : An Internship Experience Perspective

Abstract

The historical development of ISPs in Bangladesh owes its origin and momentum to several government interventions, competitive market forces, and technological developments. Major developments that followed the early access to the Internet in Bangladesh, which started in the mid-1990s, were largely attributed to the increase in digital connectivity through government initiatives and private investments. Going on in 1997, the formation of the Bangladesh Internet Exchange was significant in that it allowed for better local routing. The advent of broadband technology, mobile Internet, DSL, and fiber-optic networks served to broaden changes in the landscape of ISPs. A surge in mobile internet, particularly since 2015, has met with challenges relating to infrastructure inadequacies and service quality. The report also describes the status of AmberIT Limited within a fast-growing industry, together with the trends in ISPs, efforts being sustained in that perspective, and the importance this report assumes in contributing to future studies in analyzing the interplay of business with technology in the context of Bangladesh. Having attained considerable growth in the last 10 years, the ISP industry owes its development to the enhancement of Internet penetration, government efforts, and a soaring demand for digital services. More than 10 million broadband subscribers, most of whom are driven by mobile Internet, account for more than 180-million Internet users in the country. The industry is in the multibillion-dollar range and the annual growth rate is about 10-12% year-on-year. Government projects to create a digital Bangladesh are improving Internet infrastructure in rural areas as well as adding to service quality with investments in fibre-optic networks. The Internet service industry thus stands on the verge of maturity, with growth areas bleeding into the poorly serviced rural areas. Demand is to a large degree seasonal, variably sensitive to economic conditions and customer choices. High cost of infrastructure, regulatory impediments, pricing pressures, and expectations around service quality are the major challenges. However, from this report we have also found that increased Internet penetration, rollout of 5G, support from the government, and technological advancements would be the possible opportunities that ISPs can tap into to achieve lasting success in the Bangladeshi market. From the analysis of the organization, we found that, AmberIT caters to a diverse customer base: individual consumers, SMEs, corporate sector, educational institutions, government offices, NGOs, online retailers, and media outlets. With all requiring varied services such as fast net, business security, and the work of customer help. Services provided by AmberIT include broadband connection to individual users, fecility of corporate solutions, cloud service, and VoIP. Also, AmberIT focuses on developing an excellent network structure, fiber optics and wireless technologies are used to dictate its scalable internet plans. Its SWOT analysis indicates that the strength lies in its brand reputation, infrastructure, and customer service, while threats to AmberIT include price competition and supply issues, limited coverage in the rural sector, competition, economic downturns, and cyber threats. The report also discusses about the internship experience. During my internship at AmberIT Limited, in the Finance and Accounts department, I was able to draw together the academic with the real world. My duties entailed financial postings, dealing with security deposits, recording vendor bills, preparation of payment vouchers, and assisting with VAT and tax duties. I received in-depth training in financial management, accounting packages, and budgeting so as to be able to assume responsibilities in the finance department, such as the preparation of financial reports and the validation of various invoices. From the analysis and feedback, my supervisor's continued concern for my professional development was exemplary. The sets of skills which I applied include communication, responsibility, and punctuosity. Others that I acquired were professional communication, analytical problem-solving, and teamwork. I was able to take theoretical knowledge and put it into actual financial analysis, teamwork, proficiency with Microsoft Excel, and application of accounting principles, causing my general outlook towards finance to be broadened. In the recommendation part, to improve my performance, I did a SWOT analysis and found some key areas for growth. My strengths are powerful analytical skills and flexibility, and my weaknesses are limited industry workflow knowledge and complexity in decision-making for any strategic activity. So, for the opportunities, I considered finance specialization in the ISP industry; I see the threats as rapidly evolving technology, which requires constant updating of skills to compete with that. Hence, I wish to acquire deeper industry knowledge, study business cases--for better decision-making formation, and be a true follower of all technological advancements. Again, To better the workplace performance, then changes like the induction of new technologies for better finance data management, better training programs aimed to speed the onboarding of new employees, a feedback mechanism for interns, and cross-departmental improvements could help strengthen collaboration and promote understanding of the company. To conclude, the internship experience at the finance department of AmberIT provided me valued insight into financial practices in the telecommunications set-up. Through the internship, I have learnt important finance procedures, such as reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and cost control. Internship work enhanced my analytical, problem-solving, and communicative skills and furnished me with an opportunity to utilize my academic knowledge in real-life situations. The mentorship I enjoyed gave a fillip to my confidence and also broadened my understanding of corporate finance. All along, it has made me stronger in my belief in finance and has given me useful skills and added experience for my future relevant career.